Do AirPod Bluetooth Headphones Interfere With WiFi?

Does your WiFi seem to drop for no reason when you’re wearing your Bluetooth headphones? Fortunately, you can do a few practical things to fix your AirPod connectivity issues.

We’re here to help you uncover the mysterious, invisible interactions of your wireless devices.

You see, all wireless tech competes on a limited amount of space on the network channels that are available. In other words, your Bluetooth headphones do battle to stay on the right frequency every time you put them on. They are subject to interruptions, static, and lost connections, but sometimes they prevail.

Keep reading to find out how to maintain your Bluetooth and WiFi connections at the same time.

Bluetooth Headphones and WiFi

We know what you’re about to ask, and yes, Bluetooth does interfere with WiFi. Let’s talk about why this happens.

You see, both Bluetooth and WiFi networks operate on the 2.4 GHz and 2.8 GHz frequency range. That means your wireless devices are all competing for space on the same electromagnetic spectrum. When signals overlap, you get interference.

Like heavy traffic on a highway, a congested frequency causes problems. For example, you may experience reduced WiFi network performance. In other words, things move slower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s run through a couple of FAQs. It always helps to start off with a good understanding of what we’re dealing with.

  1. Does Bluetooth Interfere With WiFi?

Yes, it does. As explained above, since Bluetooth and WiFi sometimes share the same frequency, it is possible for your Bluetooth headphones to kick another device off the WiFi.

  1. What Interferes With WiFi?

There are a few culprits besides Bluetooth. Think competing networks, physical barriers, and your microwave (we’ll explain). If you’re having trouble with your router, try repositioning it.

  1. Are AirPods Bluetooth?

Yes, they are. Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds use Bluetooth connections to make them wireless.

Troubleshooting

So your WiFi keeps dropping. Or, your AirPods are giving you hassles. How can you tell for sure that the problem is Bluetooth and WiFi signals fighting with each other?

Here are some notable symptoms of electromagnetic interference:

  • The audio connection of your AirPods will start cutting in and out
  • You hear static on your AirPods
  • WiFi signals lag (pages won’t load or the connection will be slow)
  • Devices will alert you to network errors
  • You will probably also experience aggravated emotions

Whether you’re camp IOS or Android, Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds rely on wireless Bluetooth connectivity if they’re going to be of any use to you.

Common Issues

Unfortunately, Bluetooth interference is not new. Your wireless gadgets can be interrupted by physical objects or overcrowded frequencies. Fortunately, the struggle has been around long enough for us to understand it, and for modern engineering to overcome it.

Did you know that microwaves and fluorescent light bulbs also emit radio waves on the 2.4 GHz frequency band? It’s no coincidence that your internet suddenly drops around dinner time! Plus, if you’re in a crowded or built-up environment (such as a train station or urban neighborhood) your network might start picking up other signals around you.

If your device is picking up several neighboring networks, the signal density might cause an online traffic jam. The result? You’ll probably end up trying to fix AirPod static or re-starting your WiFi router (again).

Something else to think about is your immediate home environment. Walls, furniture, glass objects, there are many household things that create barriers to your signal strength. So, take your router out of the cupboard and sit right next to it, if it helps, you have your answer.

If you need specific help with connecting your Bluetooth headphones to Mac, you can learn more here.

Just Can’t Even

Constant interference is really annoying – seriously – sometimes you just can’t get anything done. What if you’re just not managing with your wireless devices?

Some issues will be out of your control, such as the number of devices sharing your network band, but there are a few tips you can use to improve things. Interference is a real trial, but once you understand what you’re dealing with, it shouldn’t be too difficult to regain your connection.

Here are three tips for you to try:

  1. Change the Channel

As mentioned, routers can use the normal 2.4GHz, but most can also use a higher frequency such as 5GHz. By changing your router’s frequency, you alleviate some of the load from the network. You can do this by restarting your router, or changing its settings.

  1. Re-Pair Your Devices

Sometimes old connections stay on the network and make life confusing for wireless devices. So, go into settings, forget all the connections and start afresh. Pair up your devices all over again.

  1. Upgrade Your Tech

So, you might have to go gadget shopping (sigh). The more recent Bluetooth technologies have better wireless chips. Plus, they also have improved frequency hopping capabilities.

The same goes for upgrading your WiFi router. These days, systems are better equipped to switch between channels to maintain better connections. Ultimately, newer tech is designed to accommodate busy networks in highly populated environments.

Here is a brief summary for coping with the interference.:

  • If physical barriers might be a problem, try moving to a different location
  • Change the WiFi channel
  • Position yourself physically closer to the router
  • Step away from the microwave or get out from underneath fluorescent lights

Connection Restored

Going for a jog, your daily commute, wfh? Noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are life-saving in so many ways. If you’re struggling with your emotions because connections keep letting you down, just know, you’re not alone!

We get it, in 2022 the last thing you need is interference between your Bluetooth and your WiFi. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes to get your connection up and running smoothly again.

Better yet, Apple is totally aware of the interference issues. So, the next generation of AirPods is likely to sort those little glitches out!

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